AB1530-HPR INVESTIGATION OF FUNCTIONAL MUSCLE PERFORMANCE AND STRENGTH AND BALANCE IN CHILDREN WITH FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER: A COMPARATIVE PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors: S. Y. Cetin, O. Kaya Kara, D. S. Kara, E. Çomak, S. Akman
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary, systemic autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent fever, peritonitis, pleuritis, arthritis, or erysipelas-like skin (1). Colchicine treatment is frequently used in Familial Mediterranean Fever (2). Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea are the most common side effects of colchicine, neuropathy and muscle damage can also be observed (2). Musculoskeletal features are common in children with FMF (3). Arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia and erysipelas-like erythema symptoms can be frequently observed in those patients whose disease onset age is younger than 18 years (4). Decreased functional performance and Quadriceps muscle strength were observed in children with FMF compared to healthy children. (5). It has been reported that the decrease in muscle strength and functional capacity is also associated with the quality of life in children. (5). In the light of all this information, although there is muscle weakness in children, it is thought that endurance, balance and functionality may decrease. There has been no study in the literature examining whole body muscle strength, endurance, balance and functionality in these children. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess muscle strenght, endurance, balance and functionality in children with FMF and comparison with healthy children matched the same age and gender. Methods 12 children with FMF and 12 healthy children between the ages of 7-17 were included in the study. 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) was used to evaluate walking speed in meters per second over a short duration; The 1 Minute Walking Test (1MWT) was used to evaluate functional capacity; Time Up and Go (TUG) was used to evaluate of functional mobility and dynamic balance; Functional Reach Test (FRT) was used evaluate dynamic balance; Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST) was used to evaluate functional muscle strength and muscle performance short-term muscle strength; 10x5 Spring Test was used to evaulate agility; 30s Repetition Maximum Test was used to evaluate functional muscle strength; Vertical Jump Test used to evaluate explosive strength of the lower extremity; Standing Long Jump Test was used to evaluate muscular endurance of the upper body and the functional muscle strength of the lower extremities; Hand Dynamometer was used to evaluate general muscle strength. Results When the groups were compared, a significant difference was found in favor of healthy children in the 10MWT, 1-minute walking test, TUG, FUT, 30 s Repetition Maximum Test (p:0.00- 0.04). Conclusion According to the results of the study, children with FMF have low functional muscle performance and strength and balance compared with healthly children. There is a need for studies in which there are more children with FMF and assessmnet of muscle function. Therefore, in which we present the preliminary results, the functional muscle performance and strength and balance children with FMF should be routinely assessed and treatment and rehabilitation programs should be arranged according to these findings. References [1]Ben-Chetrit, E, Levy M. Familial Mediterranean fever. Lancet, 1998; 351: 659-64. [2]Cocco G, Chu DC, Pandolfi S. Colchicine in clinical medicine. A guide for internists. Eur J Intern Med, 2010; 21: 503-508. [3]Kunt SŞ, Aydin F, Çakar N, Özdel S, Yalçinkaya F, Özçakar ZB. The effect of genotype on musculoskeletal complaints in patients with familial Mediterranean fever. Postgraduate Medicine, 2020; 132(2): 220-224 [4]Tunca M, Akar S, Onen F, Ozdogan H, Kasapçopur Ö, Yalcinkaya F, et al. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in Turkey: results of a nationwide multicenter study. Medicine (Baltimore), 2005; 84:1–11. [5]Alayli G, Durmus D, Ozkaya O, Sen HE, Nalcacioglu H, Bilgici A, et al. Functional capacity, strength, and quality of life in children and youth with familial Mediterranean fever. Pediatr Phys Ther, 2014; 26: 347–52. Disclosure of Interests None declared